Hello, Is it possible or just not recommended to reuse a wheel bearing (back side of hub)seal in order to access the bearing on a boat trailer. Not sure if there is a tool that safely removes a seal without oblong Ing or deforming it
thanks jim
Just a word of caution about grease seals. Always check that the inner lips of the seal fit tight over where they are seal the water out. And of course that they are the correct size for the hub.
Sometimes the seal surface on the axle shaft may have to be repaired with a Speedy Sleeve to covet rusting and pitting.
Many seals are available in single or double lip. Cheaper bearing kits seem to often have single lip seals which may be ok for other trailer applications. A double lip seal will provide better protection in harsh environments. Best to spend a few bucks more and get double lip.
If you go online to places like thebigbearingstore.com if you buy in bulk like 5 or 10 minimum. these things are only a buck and some change. Keep some extra around to use when needed. For that price no need to reuse.
To answer your question I would not reuse it in a boat trailer. Some hubs you are able to use the inner bearing and nut to smoothly remove the seal and in some cases I have reused those but they were very specific cases and I knew the condition going back in.
